www.estoril-portugal.com

Guide
Guide
w w w. e s t o r i l - p o r t u g a l . c o m
Estoril Coast,everything
Coast, everything
Estoril
you need
need within
withineasy
easy reach
you
reach
There’s only one place where you can
feel a thousand sensations, Estoril.
Wonderful beaches where you can relax
in the sun and forget about everything.
Gardens, houses and palaces that
take you back to the past. Excellent
restaurants offering a wide choice of
fish and seafood. All the facilities necessary to play your
favourite sport.And fascinating places like Cascais, where the
tradition of being a fishing town combines with the grandeur
of its medieval citadel and all the glamour bestowed upon
it at the beginning of the 20th century, when it became the
official summer residence of the royal family.
In Estoril you’ll find the biggest and most impressive range
of facilities…and all within easy reach. So come and discover
everything that Estoril has to offer!
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History
10
Beaches
16
Monuments, Palaces & Museums
30
Churches
32
Natural Parks
40
Sport & Leisure
50
Eating Out
52
Entertainment
56
Surrounding Areas
60
Practical Information
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Despite being small in size, the Estoril Coast is big in terms
of possibilities. Bathed by the Atlantic Ocean, the region
stretches all the way from the Tagus Estuary to the Guincho
Beach near the Serra de Sintra, home to mainland Europe’s
most westerly point.Thanks to its close proximity to Lisbon,
there is the added advantage of having an international airport
nearby, as well as the Cascais-Tires Municipal Aerodrome.
Quickly and easily accessible, the region is well served by
rail and road, most notably the scenic coast road known as
the Estrada Marginal.
In the centre of the region rises the majestic Serra de Sintra,
whose northern slope leads down to the historic village of
the same name.
The Estoril Coast’s climate is temperate throughout the year
and never subject to any extreme weather conditions. The
region benefits from a unique microclimate influenced by
the biological structure of the mountain, which is home to
a wide variety of flora, fauna and lush, green landscapes.
There are lots of reasons why Estoril is an extraordinary
place to visit. The many hidden corners, the wonderful
beaches and landscapes, the strong traces of history…In
such a small area, Estoril simply has it all!
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A bit of history
A bit of history
Recounting Estoril’s history means going back to almost
the beginning of time, when the dinosaurs roamed its dense
woods leaving their unmistakable footprints at places like
Praia Grande in Sintra, where visitors can still see them
today.
The region fell under Christian control in 1147 as a result of
the Reconquest. Due to its closeness to the capital, Estoril
has always been connected to the political and military
events in Portugal’s history and served as a place of rest
and relaxation for the royal family.
The first humans arrived in Palaeolithic times, most likely
attracted by the wonderful climate and favourable living
conditions.
Later, strategic interest in this area, the most westerly of
mainland Europe, attracted the Phoenicians, followed by the
Romans and then the Arabs, who left an indelible mark on
the region with their architecture, place names and culture
in general.
Good examples of this are the charming windmills of
Alcabideche located a few kilometres from Cascais, to which
the poet Ibn Mucane referred in the 11th century.
The Cascais coastline was the first bit of land seen by
ships entering the Tagus and the last image of Portugal they
took with them when leaving for various points across the
Empire. Its inhabitants saw the early discoverers set sail
for distant horizons and witnessed their ships return laden
with treasures from Africa, spices from India and gold from
Brazil. In 1588, they lined its beaches to watch the largest
collection of warships to ever exist before the Second World
War – known as the great Armada Invencível (the Invincible
Navy) – starting out on its fateful voyage to the shores of
England.
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The many forts dotted along the coastline remind us of
attacking pirates and the attempted landings of Spanish,
French and English invaders at various times in Portugal’s
chequered history. 30 km north of Estoril, the magnificent
National Palace of Mafra reflects the immense power and
influence of King João V, Portugal’s so-called Sun King.And the
small bay of Ericeira evokes memories of the 1910 republican
revolution when Portugal’s last king was forced to board a
boat and flee to England.
Estoril’s more recent history saw the region emerge as one
of Portugal’s first tourist destinations. In 1870, the royal family
chose the area, or more specifically the Cascais Citadel, as
its official place of residence due to its location, natural
environment, temperate climate and the quality of its sea
and spa waters. During the great political upheavals of the
20th century, many of Europe’s kings, aristocrats and upper
classes selected Estoril as the place to spend their time
in exile, thus establishing it as a well-known international
destination.
During World War II it became a thriving base for espionage
and the trading of diplomatic secrets. All the glamour and
mystery surrounding that period has lent the area an air
of sophistication and a special cosmopolitan feel that has
endured until today, resulting in the region becoming known
as the Portuguese Riviera.
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Dream Beaches
Beaches
Dream
Our beaches are one of the biggest attractions for visitors.
Clear and unpolluted water with excellent facilities and firstclass services are just some of the reasons why your visit will
be an unforgettable one. Because of their high quality, the
majority of beaches have been awarded the European Union’s
coveted Blue Flag. Geographically, they are divided into two
distinct areas: the South Coast and the West Coast.
THE SOUTH COAST
Those looking for a small piece of paradise will certainly
find it on the South Coast. Splendid beaches nestling in tiny
coves, surrounded by elegant houses and small palaces built in
the style of the Côte d’Azur. Dotted with bars and outdoor
cafés, they are full of life in a distinctly cosmopolitan way.
Access to the beaches is very easy thanks to the LisbonCascais railway.
Torre
Situated between the fort of S. Julião da Barra and the ocean
swimming pool, Torre offers excellent bathing conditions
with good all-round facilities.
Carcavelos
This impressive beach is located beside the fort of S. Julião
da Barra, at the end of the Tagus Estuary.With an abundance
of bars, restaurants and daily and nightly entertainment,
it is a regular meeting point for hundreds of surfers and
body-boarders.
Parede
This small beach is worth a visit because of its waters, which
are rich in iodine and have strong therapeutic qualities. A
physiotherapy centre established here at the beginning of
the 20th century specialises in orthopaedic diseases.
Avencas, S. Pedro and S. João do Estoril
Protected for their biodiversity, the spectacular cliffs in this
area feature a number of small, picturesque beaches, some
of which are very popular with surfers.
Tamariz, Estoril
Surrounded by hotels and delightful palaces at the bottom
of the casino’s main avenue, this wonderful beach earned the
Estoril Coast its reputation as a bathing area of international
repute in the 1920s.
Cascais
The town’s small urban beaches are idyllically set in a beautiful
bay overlooked by an imposing citadel. The many leisure
boats filling the bay offer the best view of the surrounding
landscape. On Fishermen’s Beach you can see how fishing
is still done in the traditional way, while no visit to Cascais
is complete without a visit to its modern marina.
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THE WEST COAST
North of Cabo Raso, in the heart of the Sintra-Cascais Natural
Park, you can witness nature in all its magnificent splendour.
Imposing cliffs dominate the scene, interspersed with beaches
where the energising waters are rich in iodine.
Guincho
Exposed to the West Coast’s strong winds, the Guincho is
a long beach famous for its big waves, which provide the
perfect setting for both the World and European Surfing
Championships. From here you can enjoy breathtaking views
of Cabo da Roca, mainland Europe’s most westerly point.
Restaurants all around the beach serve up the most delicious
fish and seafood dishes.
Nearby, in the district of Sintra we have:
Adraga
Largely hidden by rock formations, this pretty beach
is surrounded by nature with very few traces of human
existence. It is accessible from the village of Almoçageme
on the road between Cabo da Roca and Colares.
Praia Grande
Situated close to Colares, this is another long beach very
popular with surfers.The World Body Board and European
Surfing Championships are contested here every year.
Dinosaur footprints and magnificent views can be found
on the surrounding cliffs.
Praia das Maçãs
Easily accessible, this large sandy beach is set at the mouth of
the Colares River.The best way to get there is by an old tram
that trundles through a scenic valley all the way from Sintra.
Azenhas do Mar
Located a few kilometres north of Praia das Maças, this
enchanting village is famous for its rows of picturesque
houses literally embedded into the rocks. Down by the
sea between the cliffs, one can bathe in a natural seawater
swimming pool.
Magoito
Set in a rural area far way from civilisation, this beach has its
own unique charm. Here you can enjoy magnificent views,
fresh air and a green landscape dotted here and there with
white windmills. The beach is well signposted on the main
road between Sintra and Ericeira.
A little further north in the district of Mafra, we have the
beautiful beaches of:
S. Julião
Sheltered by cliffs just south of Ericeira, this long stretch
of beach can be reached from the main road that connects
Sintra with Ericeira.
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Ribeira d’Ilhas
Regarded as one of the world’s best surfing beaches,
Ribeira d’Ilhas is a regular venue for the World Surfing
Championships. Situated 2 km north of Ericeira, it is well
protected by cliffs where breathtaking views and amazing
sunsets can be appreciated.
Ericeira
Popular for its wonderful beach and fishing port, ancient
traditions are very much alive in the pretty town of Ericeira.
It was from here that Portugal’s last king set sail for England
on a journey that took him into exile. With exhilarating
views and a fine selection of fish and seafood restaurants,
its long seaside promenade will help turn your visit into a
truly memorable experience.
Ribamar
An excellent beach located in a pleasant village that is popular
for its many fish and seafood restaurants.
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Monuments, Palaces
Monuments,
Palaces and
and
Museums
Museums
ESTORIL / CASCAIS
Cidadela
Built around the 16th century to protect Cascais Bay from
invading ships, this impressive building forms part of a series
of coastal fortifications designed to defend the landing areas
closest to the capital.
Seixas Palace
Boasting a prime location overlooking the sea in the historic
centre of Cascais, this magnificent 19th century palace is
one of the town’s most prominent landmarks. Its previous
owner kindly donated the building to the Navy.
Verdades de Faria House Museum
Designed by the famous Portuguese architect Raul Lino, this
building was once owned by the generous patron, Mantero
Belard.The collection includes objects belonging to the great
Corsican ethnologist and musicologist, Michel Giacometti,
who dedicated much of his life to the study of traditional
Portuguese folk music.
Open from 10am-1pm and 2pm-5pm every day except Mondays and public
holidaysTel. (00 351) 214 81 59 04
Estoril Post Office - Espaço Memória
Designed by Portuguese architect Adelino Nunes, this
building was one of the most important buildings of the
region’s modernist movement when it first opened in 1942.
During the Second World War, Estoril was a preferred spot
for refugees and those in exile, for whom the council has
created the Exile Museum located on the first floor.
Open from 10am-6pm every day except Saturdays, Sundays and public
holidays Tel. (00 351) 214 81 59 30, Av. Marginal, 7152-A Estoril.
The Paula Rego House of Stories and Pictures
In 2006, a painter Paula Rego chose the town of Cascais to
erect the Paula Rego House of Stories, a museum designed
by the architect Eduardo Souto de Moura. The museum
will exhibit a significant part of the artist’s graphic work, as
well as some works by her late husband,Victor Willing, who
was an artist and an art critic, and who passed away in 1988.
The collection will be comprised of 121 works – drawings,
illustrations and lithography – as well as 16 paintings lent by
the artist for a period of ten years. The collection will also
feature “The Battle of Alcácer-Quibir” tapestry, acquired in
2008 by the Cascais Municipal Council.
The museum will have an area of circa 750 square meters for
permanent and temporary exhibition, cafeteria, bookstore,
and an auditorium with 195 seats.
Casa das Histórias (House of Stories) opens every day. April to September:
from 10am-7pm. October to March: 10am- 6pm. Tel. 214 826 970 E-mail:
[email protected] www.casadashistoriaspaularego.com
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Sea Museum
Cascais has very close ties with sailing, fishing and the sea, all
of which are well portrayed at the Sea Museum.With sections
dedicated to natural history, ethnology and underwater
archaeology, there are numerous exhibits connected to the
sea, such as ancient maps, old fishermen’s clothes, model
boats and treasures salvaged from ships wrecked along the
Estoril Coast and in the Tagus Estuary.
Open from 10am-5pm every day except Mondays and from 10am1pm/2pm-5pm (weekends and public holidays) Tel. (00 351) 214 81 59
07, Rua Júlio Pereira de Mello, Cascais.
Cascais Town Museum
The setting of this revivalist-style building is almost as
attractive as the exhibits themselves.The first surprise for
visitors is its location in a small inlet so close to the water’s
edge that waves often reach the base of the building at high
tide…Housed inside the Condes de Castro Guimarães
Palace, the museum contains a fascinating art collection,
rare pieces of Indo-Portuguese furniture, prehistoric
archaeological relics and a library featuring an illuminated
manuscript dated 1505 and some bound editions dating back
to the 17th century. Take a stroll through the surrounding
park and you’ll come across a small zoo and some beautiful
tile panels.
Open from 10am-5pm every day except Mondays and from 10am1pm/2pm-5pm (weekends and public holidays) (00 351) 214 81 53 08,
Av. Rei Humberto II de Itália, Parque Marechal Carmona, Cascais.
Santa Marta Lighthouse
Open from 10am-5pm (Monday to Friday) and from 10am-1pm / 2pm5pm (weekends and public holidays) Tel. (00 351) 214 81 53 28 R.
Farol, Cascais
S. Jorge de Oitavos Fort – Cascais
It rests on the cliff and overlooks the ocean with the typical
stance of a military building that was built with the purpose
of protecting from enemies approaching by sea, pirates or
invading troops, that considered this stretch of Cascais
coastline a reasonable spot for disembarking.Visitors will have
a broader perception of aspects related to the construction
of fortifications and their role as a military device. Small texts,
images and pieces exhibited (some previously unreleased)
puts them in context with the many military fortifications
for the advanced defense of the Tagus.
Open from 10am-5pm during the week. On weekends open from 10am
to 01pm and 2pm to 5pm. Closed Mondays and public holidays. Tel. (00
351) 21 481 59 49
Cascais Cultural Centre
Located on the site of the Convent of Our Lady of Pity,
Cascais Cultural Centre is a magnificent building restored
to its former glory by architect Jorge Silva. Designed for all
types of exhibitions, this modern venue covers a total area
of 2,000 m2.
The cultural centre and exhibition rooms are open from 10am-6pm every
day except Mondays and the public holidays of 1 January, 1 May, Easter Sunday
and 24 & 25 December Tel. (00 351) 214 81 56 60, Av. Rei Humberto II
de Itália, Cascais.
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The House of St. Maria
Built in 1902 in a prime location overlooking Cascais Bay, this
palatial house of extraordinary beauty is the work of Jorge
O’Neil. Developed by Raul Lino, the project’s architectural
style is typically Mediterranean with lots of natural daylight
and strong Arab influences, including some impressive iron
arches and decorative tiles. The richness of the house’s
interior is highlighted by some exquisite 17th century painted
tiles and a delightful oil-painted wooden ceiling.
Open from 10am-5pm every day except Mondays and public holidays.
Saturdays and Sundays 10am-1pm and 2pm-5pm Tel. (00 351) 214 81
53 80, Av. Rei Humberto II de Itália, Cascais.
OEIRAS
Marquês de Pombal Palace and Estate
Situated in the historic centre of Oeiras, this impressive
palace was built in the 18th century under the supervision of
Hungarian architect Carlos Mardel. Highlights include painted
tiles and exquisite stucco designs adorning the ceilings of
the rooms and chapel. Of equal note are the many annexes
dotted around the estate that reflect how daily life must
have been on one of the largest agricultural properties of
its time. King José’s Prime Minister, the Marquês de Pombal,
was responsible for the reconstruction of Lisbon after
the great earthquake of 1755. He was also the iron-fisted
politician who set the rules and modernised the Portugal
at that period.
Guided visits only with prior arrangement. Gardens open from 9am-7pm
in summer and 10am-6pm in winter Tel. (00 351) 214 40 87 81.
Caxias Royal Estate and Gardens
Commissioned by Infante D. Francisco, son of King Pedro
II, this magnificent garden estate is located right beside the
sea on the Tagus Estuary in Gibalta.
With its elaborately-designed hedges, statues, lakes and the
famous Diana waterfall, the setting is typical of the style and
sophistication of the 18th century social scene.
Open every day from 9am-8pm in summer and 9am-6pm in winter Tel. (00
351) 214 11 50 62 or 214 40 85 87, Estrada da Gibalta, 2760-064 Caxias.
Gunpowder Factory and Museum
Located next to Ribeira de Barcarena on the grounds of a
factory dangerous for its risk of contamination, which was
common at the time of the 1st Industrial Revolution, Oeiras
Council has done an exemplary job restoring this complex
and transforming it into an integral part of the landscape in
the form of a museum and a pleasant recreational area.
The old factory building now houses a hotel, various bars
and a fascinating museum where visitors can learn all
about the origin of gunpowder and its manufacture and
use throughout the centuries. Another important feature is
the Jardim da Memória, a garden memorial for the workers
killed by explosions at the factory. During summer, the Pátio
do Enxugo becomes a concert venue and the side streets
are the scene of various exhibitions and outdoor events.
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Besides the municipal nurseries, the park houses an exhibition
with models and artefacts found at the nearby archaeological
site of Leceia, where human existence from the Neolithic
and Chalcolithic periods is documented. The ancient castle
of Leceia is also well worth a visit.
The museum is open every day except Monday. May to September: from
10am-1pm/2pm-6pm. October to April: 10am-1pm/2pm-5pm. Tel. (00
351) 210 97 74 22.
Vasco da Gama Aquarium
Along with the Zoological Gardens and the Lisbon
Oceanarium, the Vasco da Gama Aquarium operates as a
‘live museum’. It houses a large collection of marine animals,
including some very unusual species, along with some
important items from the King D. Carlos oceanographic
collection.
Open from 10am-6pm every day Tel. (00 351) 214 19 63 37, Rua Direita,
Dafundo.
SINTRA
Castle of the Moors
This medieval castle was built during the Reconquest and
subsequent foundation of Portugal in the 12th century on the
site of an old Arab fortification abandoned when the troops
of King Afonso Henriques arrived.With an enormous winding
and undulating perimeter, the castle was almost impenetrable
during that period.Today, its imposing mountain-top location
is an integral part of the Sintra landscape.
Open every day from 9.30am-8pm in summer (23/03 untill 25/10) and
10am-6pm in winter (26/10 untill 22/03) last entrance 1 hour before closing
time. Tel. (00 351) 219 23 73 00, Estrada da Pena, located about 3.5 km
from the centre of Sintra. www.parquesdesintra.pt
Capuchos Convent
The Capuchos Convent of Santa Cruz or Cortiça was built in
1560 by D. Álvaro de Castro in fulfilment of a promise made
by his father, D. João de Castro, the Vice-Roy of India.
Cut from rock and lined with cork, its tiny cells, chapel, dining
room and various other rooms bear witness to the humble
daily life of the Franciscan monks.
Open for guided visits every day from 9.30am-8pm in summer (23/03 untill
25/10) and 10am-6pm in winter (26/10 untill 22/03) last entrance 1 hour
before closing time Tel. (00 351) 219 23 73 00, Serra de Sintra, located
9km from the centre of Sintra. www.parquesdesintra.pt
National Palace of Pena
This Romantic-style palace was commissioned in the first half
of the 19th century by D. Fernando of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha
on the site of an old 16th century convent. It is full of unusual
details and the surrounding landscape is as impressive as the
architecture itself. From here you can enjoy breathtaking
views of the park and the region as a whole.
Open from 9.30am-7pm in summer (23/03 until 25/10) and 10am-6pm in
winter (26/10 until 22/03) every day. Tel. (00 351) 219 10 53 40 e-mail:
[email protected] , Estrada da Pena, 2710-609 Sintra. www.
parquesdesintra.pt
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Sintra National Palace
This palace is famous for its unmistakeable silhouette
dominated by two enormous chimneys, the most familiar
of Sintra’s many landmarks. The oldest part of the building
dates right back to the Arab occupation. After falling to the
Christians in the 12th century, the palace underwent a series
of modifications, the most important during the reign of King
Manuel I, resulting in a mixture of architectural styles. The
building as we see it today is the result of various extensions
and improvements made throughout the centuries. Due to
its excellent location very close to Lisbon, the palace was
a favourite place of residence among Portuguese monarchs
since the Middle Ages. For this reason it is very closely
connected to many important events in Portugal’s long and
chequered history.
Open from 9.30am-7pm in summer (23/03 until 25/10) and 9.30am-6pm in
winter (26/10 until 22/03) every day. Tel. (00 351) 219 10 68 40 e-mail:
[email protected], Largo Rainha D. Amélia, 2710 Sintra. www.
parquesdesintra.pt
Queluz National Palace
Described by many as a small version of Versailles, and
with very good reason. With its refined elegance and welllandscaped gardens dotted with statues and baroque fountains,
the palace is full of surprises. Construction started in 1747
and was completed in 1760. Today it serves as the official
residence of foreign dignitaries invited by the Portuguese
state. Besides that, it is sometimes used as a venue for
concerts, exhibitions and historical re-enactments.
Open from 9am-6.30pm in summer (23/03 until 25/10) and 9am-5.30pm in
winter (26/10 until 22/03) every day. Tel. (00 351) 214 34 38 60 e-mail: info@
parquesdesintra.pt, Largo do Palácio, 2745 Queluz. www.parquesdesintra.pt
Monserrate Palace and Estate
In the second half of the 19th century, a rich English merchant
called Francis Cook commissioned the restoration of an old
neo-gothic palace belonging to some proud revivalists.As is
the case with the majority of the region’s monuments, the
garden is full of indigenous and exotic species, which together
add a touch of romanticism and originality.
Open from 9.30am-8pm in summer (23/03 until 25/10) and 10am-6pm in
winter (26/10 until 22/03) last entrance 30 minutes before closing time.
Tel. (00 351) 219 23 73 00, Estrada de Monserrate, 2710-405 Sintra.
www.parquesdesintra.pt
Regaleira Palace and Estate
The sea meeting the earth, the light’s brightness casting a
kingdom of shadows…No-one can escape the extraordinary
astral and tellurian forces that emanate from this place,
attracting romantics and lovers of the occult like a magnet.
Like D. Fernando of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, maybe this was the
reason why Carvalho Monteiro, a man of considerable culture
who made his fortune in Brazil, also chose Sintra as the place
to make his spiritualistic dream come true in a beautiful place
situated less than a kilometre from the town centre.
Its Neo-Manueline style evokes the age and glory of the 16th
century. Regaleira palace and its chapel date from the early part
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of the 20th century, built by Luigi Manini, the same architect
responsible for the Buçaco Palace Hotel.The combination of
the palace and its lush gardens, which are full of mysterious
grottoes, wells, ponds, towers and statues, looks like the setting
for an opera, where nothing is casually arranged.
Opening hours: Feb/Mar/Oct: 10am-6.30pm;Ap-Sept: 10am-8pm; Nov-Jan:
10am-5.30pm (last entrance 1 hour before closing time). Tel. (00 351) 219
10 66 50, Rua Barbosa do Bocage, 2710-567 Sintra. www.regaleira.pt
Seteais Palace
With breathtaking views stretching as far as the sea, Seteais
Palace was built by the Dutch Consul Daniel Gildmeester
in the last part of the 18th century. It was subsequently
improved by its new owner, who joined the two buildings
together with an arch crowned by the royal coat of arms
and a medallion with the images of Portugal’s kings.
The palace now operates as a luxury hotel for the exclusive
enjoyment of its guests.
Toy Museum
Part of the Arbués Moreira Foundation, the collection
comprises 20,000 pieces from different periods of history,
including lead soldiers, electric trains, carousels, various
wax, china and paper dolls and a wide range of the famous
Meccano ‘dinky toys’.
Open from 10am-6pm every day except Monday (last admission at 5.30
pm) Tel. (00 351) 219 24 21 71, Rua Visconde de Monserrate 28, 2710-591
Sintra. www.museu-do-brinquedo.pt
Ferreira de Castro Museum
Situated in the heart of Sintra’s historic centre, this museum
contains a private collection of books and art belonging to
Portuguese writer Ferreira de Castro (1898-1974).
Open from 10am-6pm (Tuesday to Friday) and from 12am-6pm (weekends
and public holidays). Last admission 1 hour before closing time. Tel. (00
351) 219 23 88 28, Rua Consigleri Pedroso 34, 2710-550 Sintra.
S. Miguel de Odrinhas Museum Complex
The most interesting aspect of this complex is its age. In the
middle of the 16th century, a group of erudite humanists
started to preserve and classify the oldest parts that now
form the main part of an important museum.
Today, the buildings that make up this complex are perfectly
integrated within the local architecture and landscape.They
include a great collection of patios and buildings covering a
total area of 15,000 m2, of which 3,000 m2 are covered.
In the permanent exhibition area we find a section about
inscriptions, which encompasses the Etruscan, Roman,
Visigoth and Portuguese periods, and another focusing on
archaeology, from mid-Palaeolithic times to the modern
age, highlighting the prehistoric and Roman periods.
The museum complex also has an auditorium, dedicated
public library, bookshop, temporary exhibition room and
several areas for relaxation. Additional attractions include
the ruins of the Roman town of São Miguel de Odrinhas
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and the megalithic sanctuary of Monte da Barreira, which
features a large number of menhirs and sepulchre stones
nearby.
Open from 10am-1pm and 2pm-6pm every day except Sundays and Mondays
(last admission 30 minutes before closing time) Tel. (00 351) 219 61 35
74, Av. Prof. Dr. Fernando de Almeida, S. Miguel de Odrinhas, 2705-735 S.
João das Lampas.
Leal da Câmara House Museum
Located in Rinchoa, just off the main road connecting Sintra
with Lisbon, this museum contains a collection belonging
to the well-known painter, caricaturist and demagogue,
Leal da Câmara (1876-1948), who lived and worked in
this house.
Open from 10am-6pm (Tuesday to Friday) and from 12am-6pm
(weekends and public holidays). Last admission 1 hour before closing
time. Tel. (00 351) 219 16 43 03, Calçada da Rinchoa, 67, Rinchoa
2635-312 Rio de Mouro.
Mafra National Palace and Convent
Measuring 213 by 244 metres, this imposing building is
similar to the El Escorial Monastery near Madrid. Contained
within its impressive walls are a palace, basilica and convent
with a total of 860 rooms. It was built by King João V
in the first half of the 18th century, one of the golden
periods of Portugal’s history.The convent is famous for its
extensive library and basilica where we can see magnificent
marbles, bas-reliefs and sculptures, some dating from the
16th century, as well as its magnificent carillons, among the
largest in the world with 57 bells in each tower.
Information about timetables and reservations: Open from 10am5:30pm/Closed:Tuesday, 1January, Easter Sunday, 1 May and 25 December.
Admission of visitors: up to 1 hour before closing. Tel. (00 351) 261
81 70 50 e-mail: [email protected], www.tapadademafra.pt Palácio
Nacional de Mafra, 2640 Mafra.
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Churches
Churches
include the altars covered with magnificent marble and
decorated with retables. Visitors will also marvel at the
paintings by Cotrim and the impressive 18th century organ,
which has recently been restored.
SINTRA
ESTORIL / CASCAIS
Seamen’s Church
This baroque temple is most notable for its octagonal design.
The interior features works depicting S. Pedro Gonçalves and
Our Lady of the Seafarer,the patron saints of seamen.
Cascais Parish Church
This church dates from the 16th century and features a richly
decorated Portuguese-style interior with gold woodcarvings
around the altar. The walls are lined with tile panels and
paintings by some of Portugal’s best-known artists, including
the famous Josefa d’Óbidos.
Church of St Anthony
Built on the site of old chapel, this church dates back to the
16th century. It was reconstructed after the 1755 earthquake
but later destroyed by fire in 1927. Despite all this, the
painted tiles and baroque façade still remain.
OEIRAS
Oeiras Parish Church
Dedicated to Our Lady of Purification, parts of this beautiful
church date back to the 16th century, although much of the
building was restored during the 18th century. Highlights
Colares Parish Church
Affording breathtaking views from its location on the northern
slope of the Serra de Sintra, this 16th century church is
most notable for its large buttresses of Tuscan stone. The
main features of its interior are the retables and tile panels
dating from the 17th and 18th centuries, the fonts of holy
and baptismal water and a single stone pulpit, rectangular
and closed.
S. Martinho Church
Originally built in the 12th century in the Romanic style, this
church was reconstructed a century later as a Gothic building
and later modified with Renaissance and Mannerist influences.
Almost completely destroyed by the 1755 earthquake, the
church we see today is the result of a meticulous restoration
programme.
Church of S. Pedro de Penaferrim
As is normally the case with religious buildings in Portugal, this
pre-15th century church is a mixture of architectural styles that
have taken place over the centuries. Its most notable features
are a Gothic image of S. Pedro and a baroque portico.
Please note that these churches are only open for mass.
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Natural
Parks
Natural Parks
Sintra-Cascais Natural Park
The first thing that amazes us about the Sintra-Cascais
Natural Park is the way that everything has been preserved
in total natural harmony so close to such a large metropolis
as Lisbon and all its tourist attractions. Perhaps it is one of
those rare examples of how humans and nature manage
to co-exist, which is very unusual but judging by the park’s
beauty, not altogether impossible…
The park has a wide variety of scenery and landscapes including
dunes, forests, lagoons, a rugged stretch of coastline where the
high cliffs intersperse with idyllic beaches, the imposing Cabo
da Roca and in the centre the magnificent Serra de Sintra, an
area classified by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
Regarding the fauna, flora and geomorphology, this whole
area is particularly interesting and varied. All around the
volcanic outcrop of the Serra de Sintra, on land composed
of basalt, granite and limestone, grow many types of tree
and shrub, amongst which a lot of primitive flora can be
found such as the ‘cerquinho’ oak, holm-oak, Sintra carnation
(Dianthus Cintranus) and the very characteristic ‘saudade’
(armeria pseudarmeria), an endemic Portuguese flora.
Among the most commonly found animals are the wild
rabbit, fox, spotted-back kite, badger, weasel, rat-eating snake,
the horse-shoe bat (Rhinolophus Hiposideros) and lots of
different species of bird, most notable of which are rare
examples of the Bonelli eagle and the peregrine falcon.
Besides the most scenic places recommended by all the
tourist guides, you shouldn’t miss out on the chance to travel
from Sintra to Colares in the little red tram that winds its
way through a particularly beautiful valley. It is also worth
trying the local Colares wine, which is produced on such a
small area of land that it is considered a rarity.
You’ll certainly be enchanted by Azenhas do Mar, a small
place literally embedded into the cliffs above the sea.
Serra de Sintra
With its breathtaking beauty and environmental richness,
the Serra de Sintra is very much the heart of the SintraCascais Natural Park.
Its characteristics are so truly exceptional that the area is the
only cultural landscape in the world classified by UNESCO
as a World Heritage Site. Standing alongside the historical
and architectural jewel of Sintra, the Serra can be considered
a monument in its own right.
Today, visitors can still feel the magic of this mountain, the
way its inhabitants have done for thousands of years. They
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called it Monte da Lua (Mountain of the Moon), evoking
forces as powerful as the stars themselves.
And despite the fact that there’s nothing strange about the
natural magnetism generated by the enormous mass of iron
that exists within the Serra itself, we shouldn’t be surprised
if we enter a cave and our watch stops, or our car breaks
down on a particular stretch of road, or we feel drawn
towards a certain hill…Perhaps mysteries really do exist
in Sintra…
The temperature is another phenomenon. It can fall to 10ºC
between the luxuriant north and south, leaving the tops of
the crags wrapped in mist, while the nearby beaches bask in
brilliant sunshine.The thick vegetation covering the mountain
and the moss spread all over its walls seem to be hiding
something from us…
What they don’t seem to be able to conceal is the
extraordinary natural beauty of both the mountain and its
breathtaking views. Cultivated land as far as Mafra to the
north; Oeiras and Lisbon to the east; Cascais and the Tagus
Estuary to the south; while to the west one has a fine vista
of the Atlantic coast and the mountain itself, entering the
sea at the most westerly point on mainland Europe, the
magnificent promontory known as Cabo da Roca.
Responsible for the region’s pleasant climate, which contrasts
favourably with the surrounding areas, the Serra de Sintra
boasts an ecosystem of immense beauty and biological
richness, with gigantic trees and a great variety of animal
species and vegetation. Don’t miss out on the chance to
explore the area on foot and discover its hidden delights: the
Blue Lagoon, the gardens of Monserrate and the paths leading
you up to the amazing views from Cruz Alta and Peninha.
Pena Palace and Park
Due to the way it is blends into the rock, Pena Palace
seems like a natural extension to the mountain. A visit is
always one of great expectation…and nobody ever leaves
disappointed.
Like the majority of buildings across the region, it has an
interesting legend. It is said that while hunting at the top
of the mountain, King Manuel I saw Vasco da Gama’s fleet
enter the Tagus, returning from his first voyage to India.
On that same spot, where a chapel existed at that time,
the king decided to build a convent in recognition of the
navigator’s incredible achievement. It was over the remains
of this 16th century convent that, three centuries later, the
Prince Consort D. Fernando of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha created
one of the biggest Romantic fantasies of the 19th century.
Don’t be surprised if this palace reminds you of the famous
Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria. But the fact is that Pena
Palace is older than its Bavarian counterpart, and according
to many is the more impressive and genuine of the two.
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During your visit make sure you see the Arab Room, the
queen’s bedroom and, most importantly, the magnificent
Renaissance-style alabaster retable above the altar in the
old chapel, a part of the original convent upon which the
palace was built.
Those with esoteric, Masonic and Rosicrucian beliefs have
been able to observe multiple mysteries at Pena Palace, like the
obscure double meanings of many of its decorative items.
And yet, despite the grandness of the palace’s architecture and
decoration, D. Fernando’s dream project would never have
been complete without the sheer beauty of its surrounding
landscape, which enhances the building’s dramatic effect.
Like a true romantic, D. Fernando set out to recreate a
scenic landscape and he achieved it quite spectacularly with
the careful planning of a dense forest all the way down the
mountain slopes. In fact, the Serra de Sintra we see today, a
place full of streams, springs, lakes, ferns, large exotic trees,
rare birds in captivity and a wide variety of wild fauna, are
all part of his creation.
In reality, Pena Park is one of those rare cases where nature
has benefited from the activities of man, since it is the bestpreserved part of the mountain. A walk along the park’s
footpaths is certainly an experience not to be missed. Once
again esoteric signs are everywhere, visible to those who
know how to recognise and understand them. They will be
able to find traces of alchemists’ ovens and an unusually
large number of octagonal stone tables.
Open every day from 9:30am-8pm in summer (23/03 until 25/10) and from
10am-6pm in winter (26/10 until 22/03). Last entrance 1 hour before closing.
Tel. (00 351) 219 23 73 00, Estrada da Pena, 2710-609 Sintra.
Monserrate Park
Located on the Serra da Sintra, Monserrate is an exotic
garden brimming with history, romance and an unparalleled
collection of subtropical plants, trees and conifers. It is one
of the best gardens of its kind in Europe and a wonderful
example of an English garden in Portugal.Thanks to its unique
and exceptional climate, Monserrate is an enormous outdoor
greenhouse where hundreds of species coexist in perfect
harmony on almost 30 hectares of prime land.Architectural
aspects of rare beauty and great historical importance – such
as the palace with its statues, waterfalls, lakes and rich mix of
gothic, Moorish and oriental styles - are some of the other
things that make this garden so different from any other.
Open every day from 9.30am-8pm in summer (23/03 until 25/10) and 10am6pm in winter (26/10 until 22/03) last entrance 1 hour before closing time
Tel. (00 351) 219 23 73 00, Estrada de Monserrate, 2710-405 Sintra.
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Tapada de Mafra
A little further north, about 30km from Estoril, is the pretty
town of Mafra. Once part of the magnificent National Palace
of Mafra, the 819-hectare Tapada is an old hunting enclosure
that is now an enormous park protected by a wall of some
21 kilometres in length. It is still possible to hunt deer and
wild boar in an ecologically-controlled way.
Besides these, several other species live in the game park such
as wolves, foxes, jennets, ferrets and a wide variety of birds such
as the very rare Bonelli eagle. Visitors can observe all these
animals with the help of a professional guide, either on foot or
from a little train that operates in the park.The grounds of the
Tapada de Mafra are also ideal for orienteering, photography,
archery, horse riding, mountain biking and even a nostalgic ride in
a horse-drawn carriage. Furthermore, there are two fascinating
museums to visit: one about old cars and carriages and the
other on the themes of dissected animals and ancient weapons.
The park also has 10 hotel rooms available at the King Carlos
country house, originally designed as a hunting lodge.
Open from 9am-6pm in summer (monday to Friday) and from 9.30am-5.30pm
in winter (weekends and public holidays). Tel. (00 351) 261 81 70 50. www.
tapadademafra.pt
Iberian Wolf Conservation Centre
Located in Vale da Guarda near Malveira, this centre offers a
natural habitat for a pack of free-roaming wolves.The animals
can be observed and even adopted by anyone who would
like to contribute to their conservation and visit them on
a regular basis.
Open from May to Setember: 15.30pm-8pm and from October to April
2.30pm-6.30pm. Visits are only possible at weekends and public holidays
Tel. (00 351) 261 78 50 37 / 91 753 23 12.
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Sport
and Leisure
Leisure
Sport and
If the thrill of show jumping excites you, check what’s on at
Quinta da Marinha or the Cascais Equestrian Centre.
Estoril Coast Riding Centre, Charneca, Cascais
Tel. (00 351) 214 87 20 64
SPORT
It seems that the Estoril Coast is a magnet for those
looking to practice every type of sport and leisure activity.
Besides excellent facilities and all the professional staff and
necessary equipment, the region boasts a wide range of
natural advantages such as pure air, temperate year-round
climate and close proximity to the sea and mountains.
Jogging
Jogging enthusiasts visiting the Estoril Coast will find lots of
beautiful places in which to practice their favourite sport,
including many in the most built-up parts of the region. Some
of the best spots for jogging are in the parklands surrounding
the National Stadium in the district of Oeiras; the promenade
between Estoril and Cascais on the south coast; Mafra Sports
Park and the area covering Penha Longa and Lagoa Azul at
the foot of the Serra de Sintra.The fitness circuit at Palmela
Park in Cascais is another good place to go jogging.
Horse riding
The variety of forest paths and excellent facilities throughout
the region are a major attraction for those who enjoy horse
riding. Here you’ll find a good selection of riding schools
where you can hire horses and learn to ride.
Quinta da Marinha Riding Centre, Cascais
Tel. (00 351) 214 86 00 06
D. Carlos I Country Club, Quinta da Marinha, Cascais
Tel. (00 351) 214 87 14 03
Manuel Possolo Equestrian Centre, Cascais
Tel. (00 351) 214 82 27 50
Tennis
Tennis is a very popular sport in Estoril.There are numerous
clubs and tennis courts in existence throughout the region,
some of which are first-class.
Estoril Tennis Club offers 18 courts and all the necessary
facilities for playing tennis, including floodlights.
The Jamor Complex is home to the Estoril Open, an ATP
tournament that attracts the world’s best clay-court players
Tel. (00 351) 214 14 60 30
Estoril Tennis Club
Tel. (00 351) 214 66 27 70
Quinta do Junqueiro, Carcavelos
Tel. (00 351) 214 56 36 68 or 214 57 28 13
Quinta da Marinha, Cascais
Tel. (00 351) 214 86 01 80
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Motor sports
Estoril’s famous motor-racing circuit hosts many important
car and bike competitions, such as the Motorcycle GP
Championships. It can also be arranged for individuals to
experience the thrill of motor racing first-hand.
The pleasure derived from this sport is clearly evident
from the large number of motorcyclists who congregate at
Cabo da Roca Lighthouse every Sunday until lunchtime right
through the year, and have done for decades.
Estoril Autrodrome Tel. (00 351) 214 60 95 00 Alfredo César Torres,
Apartado 49, 2646-901 Alcabideche
Flying
Tires Aerodrome has a flying a school where light planes
and helicopters can be hired, with or without pilot.
Tires Aerodrome Tel. (00 351) 214 44 73 00
Fishing
The region’s long and varied coastline offers beaches, rocks
and high cliffs with spectacular views and hundreds of ideal
spots for fishing in clean, unpolluted waters with plenty of
fish and seafood to be caught.
Adventure sports
Along with perfect conditions, the Estoril Coast has several
clubs and companies specialising in what are commonly
known as adventure sports, such as mountaineering, four-
wheel driving, mountain-biking, orienteering, abseiling, hanggliding, paragliding, parachuting, ultra lights and other types of
activity which you can enquire about at tourist information
centres or your hotel.
Water sports
In Estoril the water is an endless source of amusement. At
the Cascais Naval Club (Tel. 00 351 214 83 01 25), sailing
enthusiasts will find sailing schools open at the weekend,
while regular competitions and leisure vessels can always be
seen around Cascais Bay. On some of the beaches it’s very
easy to hire boats and go water-skiing.
Like on the south coast, the big waves and strong winds
on the west coast provide perfect conditions for surfing,
windsurfing and body boarding. The world championships
of these sports are regularly contested at the beaches of
Guincho, Grande and Ribeira d’Ilhas north of Ericeira.
Besides the impressive swimming pools found at the region’s
top hotels, many others are open to the public, including
some that are covered and operational throughout the year.
Most notable of these is the ocean pool of Praia da Torre in
Oeiras, which features natural seawater and is large enough
for up to 2,000 bathers. Also well worth mentioning is the
ocean swimming pool at Estoril.
Golf
Estoril is one of the best examples of a golfing destination.
Here, golfers will find a large number of courses concentrated
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in a very small area, the majority of which are designed by the
world’s best architects.This means that you can choose from
a wide variety of courses that cater for players of any age
or ability, right up to the highest international standards.The
mild and pleasant climate offers perfect golfing conditions
right through the year.
Belas Country Club
This 462-hectare residential complex is located near Belas and
Queluz. In the past, it was a preferred spot for the royal family
and aristocracy to spend the summer months. It is close enough
to Sintra and has very good access to Lisbon Airport.
The course is widely regarded as one of William ‘Rocky’
Roquemore’s best designs.The high level of maintenance on
the greens, tees and fairways with Penneagle and Pennlinks
grass offers extra protection against the prevailing winds.
Belas Country Club is a blend of three clearly defined areas:
the peaceful part, the residential zone and the wonderful
natural landscape.The stylish Belas Clubhouse is decorated
in blue, yellow and terracotta. From the restaurant, one
can enjoy stunning views over the green hills towards Pena
Palace in the distance.
Characteristics: 18 holes of 6,380 metres in length, par 72 Tel. (00 351)
219 62 66 40 Fax. (00 351) 219 62 66 41 www.belasclubedecampo.
pt, e-mail: [email protected], Alameda do Aqueduto, Belas Clube de
Campo, 2605-193 Belas.
Estoril Golf
Located very close to Estoril, with splendid views of the sea
and Serra de Sintra.
Designed by McKenzie Ross, the course is beautifully set
amongst eucalyptus, pine and mimosa trees, which add a
vivid mix of colours to the scene. The club was founded in
1945 and since then has hosted two of the most important
tournaments in Portugal: the Portuguese Open (20 times)
and the International Amateur Championship (on no less
than 62 occasions).
The magnificent clubhouse has a golf shop, bar, changing
rooms, swimming pool and restaurant with a menu featuring
the finest Portuguese dishes and breathtaking views from
the outdoor terrace.
Characteristics: 18 holes of 5,262 metres in length, par 69. Tel. (00 351)
214 68 01 76 Fax. (00 351) 214 68 27 96 www.palacioestorilhotel.com
e-mail: [email protected] Av. da República, 2765 Estoril.
Lisbon Sports Club
In 1880, a group of British residents in the Lisbon area
founded a cricket, tennis and football club. Then in 1914
the club moved from Lisbon to share the Eastern Telegraph
Sports Club’s facilities in Carcavelos. Three years later, the
Lisbon Sports Club acknowledged this company’s generosity
by presenting it with the Carcavelos Golf Trophy, one of the
oldest in Portugal.
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A 9-hole golf course was added in 1922 and this marked
the beginning of the club’s golden era, which has lasted right
up until the present day. It quickly became the centre of
the British community’s sporting life, as well as many of the
Portuguese who also use its facilities.
important amateur tournaments have also taken place on
this magnificent course, which offers a challenging round of
golf to players of every level. Its ocean views, featuring Estoril
and Cascais in the forefront, blend well with the spectacular
scenery of the surrounding mountains.
It was sold in 1962 and the golf course was formally opened
on the 20th of June, 1964 with a competition that saw the
Lisbon Sports Club es en Belas take on the rest of Portugal,
which the club won.The current 18-hole course was unveiled
on the 19th of September, 1992.
Besides the five-star Hotel Penha Longa, several first-class
facilities and services are available including a driving range
with 20 grass bays, a putting green, chipping area with 2
bunkers, golf clinics of 1 to 5 days with the resident golf
professionals, individual lessons, buggies, trolleys (manual
and electric), golf shop, shoes and equipment for hire, a
restaurant, snack bar and ‘halfway house’.
Characteristics: 18 holes of 5,278 metres in length, par 69. Facilities:
trolleys, clubs and caddies for hire, golf academy, clubhouse, restaurant, bar,
sauna, children’s games room, babysitting service available. Tel. (00 351)
214 31 00 77 Fax. (00 351) 214 31 24 82 e-mail: [email protected],
Casal da Carregueira, elas, 2745 Queluz. www.lisbonclub.com
Penha Longa Golf Resort
Just 30 minutes by car from Lisbon Airport, and only 10
minutes from Estoril and Cascais, the resort is an integral
part of the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park. Set in the heart of
a 150-hectare nature reserve, it has 27 holes spread across
two courses – Atlantic and Monastery – as well as a luxury
hotel with 177 rooms and suites.
Opened in 1992, the Atlantic course was designed by Robert
Trent Jones Jr and is considered one of the best in Europe. It
hosted the Portuguese Open in 1994 and 1995, the Estoril
Challenge in 1997 and the Estoril Open in 1999. Many
Characteristics: Atlantic course - 18 holes of 6,290 metres in length,
par 72. Monastery course – 9 holes of 2,588 metres in length, par 35 Tel.
(00 351) 219 24 90 31 Fax. (00 351) 219 24 90 24 www.penhalonga.
com e-mail: [email protected], Estrada da Lagoa Azul, Linhó,
2714-511 Sintra.
Penha Longa Monastery
Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr, the Monastery course
was inaugurated in 1995 in the heart of the resort’s historic
centre, providing the perfect complement to the Atlantic
course. It is full of interesting challenges, particularly for
high-handicapped players.
Characteristics: 9 holes of 2,588 metres in length, par 35. Facilities:
putting green, chipping area with 2 bunkers, driving range with 2 grass
bays. Buggies, trolleys (manual and electric), clubs and golf shoes for hire
Tel. (00 351) 219 24 90 31 Fax. (00 351) 219 24 90 24 e-mail: reserves.
[email protected] www.penhalonga.com. Estrada da Lagoa Azul,
Linhó, 2714-511 Sintra.
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Quinta da Beloura
Set in one of the most prestigious parts of Portugal, with
good access to and from Lisbon Airport, the course is very
close to Sintra’s historic centre and the cosmopolitan resorts
of Estoril and Cascais.
With Sintra’s mountains providing the perfect backdrop,
Quinta da Beloura golf course was designed by the wellknown American architect Rocky Roquemore, who used all
of his imagination to create a course challenging enough for
players of every level.
Several types of trees and flowers such as eucalyptus, pine,
magnolia and various exotic species, as well as some lovely
lakes, surround this course in a harmonious blend of nature.
Here, golfers will find first-class facilities and the very best
teaching professionals.
Characteristics: 18 holes of 5,774 metres in length (men’s tee) and 5,173
(ladies tee), par 73. Facilities: clubhouse, shop, restaurant, business centre,
health club (with changing rooms, sauna,Turkish bath, Jacuzzi and gymnasium)
Tel. (00 351) 219 10 63 50 Fax. (00 351) 219 10 63 59 e-mail: beloura.
[email protected] www.pestanagolf.com, Rua das Sesmarias 3,
Estrada de Albarraque, 2710-444 Sintra.
Quinta da Marinha
This is arguably the best of Robert Trent Jones’ creations.
The course is situated between Cascais and Cabo da Roca
in an area of immense natural beauty and a wide variety of
landscapes, with hills on one side and the ocean on the other.
Its peaceful lakes create an atmosphere of total relaxation.
On-site accommodation comprises a hotel with 200 rooms
and 45 chalets. A business centre and conference rooms
are also available.
Characteristics: 18 holes of 5,845 metres in length, par 71. Facilities: 3
restaurants – Five Pines (hotel), Cosi Fan Tutti (clubhouse) and Monte Mar
(on the Estrada do Guincho), bars with outdoor terraces, 6 tennis courts,
3 outdoor swimming pools, jogging circuit, fitness centre, bicycles for hire,
children’s club Tel. (00 351) 214 86 01 80 Fax. (00 351) 214 86 90 32
www.quintadamarinha.com e-mail: [email protected], Hotel
Quinta da Marinha, Casa 36, Quinta da Marinha, 2750-715 Cascais.
Oitavos Dunes
Oitavos golf course is located inside Sintra-Cascais Natural
Park, within a 30-minute drive of Lisbon Airport. Set between
dense woods and picturesque sand dunes, the course lies
in an area of unparalleled natural beauty surrounded by the
Sintra Mountains to the north and south and the Atlantic
Ocean to the west.
As described by the architect Arthur Hills, the objective was
to create one of Europe’s most unique golfing experiences. In
a place simply overflowing with natural beauty, each hole was
designed in its own special setting.The course is a magnificent
blend of beautiful pine forests, sand dunes and varying coastal
areas, while the coherence and variety of its design is much
appreciated by the more demanding players.
Characteristics: 18 holes of 5,845 metres in length, par 71. Tel. (00 351)
214 86 06 00 Fax. (00 351) 214 86 06 09 e-mail: info@oitavosdunes.
pt www.oitavosdunes.com, Quinta da Marinha, Casa da Quinta nº. 25,
2750 Cascais.
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Eating Out
Eating Out
As an alternative to the usual selection of international dishes,
you’ll find that the gastronomic delights of the Estoril Coast
will definitely be to your liking. Portuguese cuisine features
a wide variety of dishes, especially fish and seafood. It’s no
coincidence, therefore, that more fish is consumed per capita
in Portugal than in any other European country…
Bacalhau occupies top spot in terms of culinary richness.You
can choose from a 100 different recipes! And if you’d like
to try a typical meat dish of the region, we suggest Leitão
de Negrais or Mercês-style pork.
To finish your meal, don’t forget to try our delicious sweets:
Travesseiros, the famous Queijadas de Sintra, Fofos de Belas,
Areias de Cascais or Trouxas de Malveira. Indeed, Portuguese
egg-based confectionary is unique not just in Europe but
probably in the entire world.
Finding a good place to eat couldn’t be easier thanks to the
wide choice of restaurants available. Options range from the
most exclusive establishments to the busiest restaurants
where a surprisingly large range of dishes can be found.
On the subject of wine, you are probably aware that the best
Portuguese reds are on a par with those in France, Italy and
Spain.The main demarcated regions are found in the Douro,
Dão and Alentejo, but the Estoril Coast produces very small
quantities of its own fine wines in Carcavelos and Colares, a
rare pleasure that you might have the opportunity to try.
Vinho de Carcavelos, Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e
Veterinária Tel. (00 351) 214 40 35 00 Adega Regional de Colares, Open
from 9am-12.30am and 2pm-5.30pm every day.A tasting of these fine wines
can be organised in advance for a minimum of 10 people Tel. (00 351) 219
28 73 33, Alameda Coronel Linhares de Lima 24, 2705-135 Colares.
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Entertainment
Entertainment
Various other events such as music and dance festivals
also take place throughout the year. For more information,
please don’t hesitate to ask at the tourist information
centre where they have all the dates, venues and
programme details.
Nightlife
The nightlife here seems to go on forever.All over the region,
visitors can choose from any number of restaurants, bars,
concert venues and discotheques, the vast majority of which
are located in Estoril, Cascais and neighbouring Lisbon, a city
with a strong cosmopolitan tradition.
The Typical Village and Museum of Master
José Franco, Mafra
Those travelling with children (and everyone else besides)
will love this miniature reconstruction of a country village.
Everything is portrayed in the smallest detail; we can even
see the workmen’s traditional tools of their trade. Situated
on the main road between Mafra and Ericeira, the museum
also comprises an interesting exhibition of handmade
ceramics.
Estoril Casino
The oldest in Portugal and the largest of its kind in Europe,
Estoril’s casino is a multi-entertainment centre offering a
wide variety of games as well as daily cabaret and music hall
shows, always in a setting that reflects the building’s elegance
and sophistication. Besides gambling, the casino is a regular
venue for all types of temporary exhibitions, particularly
modern art and sculptures.
Open from 3pm-3am every day Tel. (00 351) 214 66 77 00
Fairs, Festivals and Concerts
Estoril is a lively region where anything can happen. Annual
events include the International Handicrafts Fair (the
oldest of its kind in Portugal), the International Dog Show,
Cascais Fashion, Estoril Jazz, the Estoril Music Festival and
the Sintra Music Festival featuring the magnificent settings
of the National Palaces of Sintra, Pena and Queluz.
Open from 10am-6pm every day Tel. (00 351) 261 81 54 20
Local Festivities
Known as the Festas Populares, local town festivities are
regular occurrences especially during the summer, so it
is best to enquire at the tourist information centre and
decide on the spot. These parties usually consist of live
music, fireworks and religious processions.
Horse-Riding Demonstrations
The Portuguese School of Equestrian Art offers regular
horse-riding demonstrations in the gardens of Queluz Palace,
every Wednesday at 11am between May and October.
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Fairs and Markets
The numerous fairs and markets taking place throughout the
region are a great chance to meet the local market traders
who are very nice people and have a traditional way of doing
business. Besides this, it is the perfect opportunity to buy
clothes, footwear, china objects, handicrafts and all manner
of regional artefacts at prices you simply won’t believe!
The Estoril region is home to many fairs and markets that
are always very popular with visitors to the area. The most
notable ones are as follows:
- Almoçageme: weekends and public holidays
- Cascais: Wednesday mornings
- Adroana: first and third Sundays of each month
- Carcavelos: Thursday mornings
- Mafra: The third Sunday of each month
- Malveira: Every Thursday (mostly livestock)
- Sintra (São Pedro): The second and fourth Sundays of each month
The Estoril Handicrafts Fair
This is the oldest and most appealing of all Portugal’s
handicraft fairs. Craftsmen and women from all over the
country come to sell their wares and produce, before
our very eyes, painted tiles, ceramics and items of wood,
linen, wool and other materials.Taking place in an enclosed
area beside Estoril Casino during the summer months of
June, July and August, the fair includes live folk dancing
and several restaurants offering a range of traditional
Portuguese dishes.
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Surrounding Areas
Surrounding Areas
Lisbon
Situated a few kilometres away and just half an hour by car
or train, Lisbon is one of Europe’s oldest and most fascinating
capitals, with everything you’ll need in terms of sightseeing,
shopping, entertainment and culture. In fact, there are many
Lisbons waiting to be discovered. Which is yours?
Roman, Arab and Medieval Lisbon
Lisbon’s original city centre is situated around the hill topped
by the Castle of S. Jorge. Nearby, and predominantly Arab
in style, you’ll find an ancient Roman theatre and cathedral,
the odd-looking Casa dos Bicos, Santa Engrácia Basilica and
the Military Museum.
From the top of the hill, the oldest of seven that traditionally
represent Lisbon’s topography, one can enjoy spectacular
views extending beyond the old part of the city across the
immense Tagus Estuary, which ranks as the largest natural
harbour in Europe. A walk up this hill will bring you to
medieval quarters that, through their atmosphere and
architecture, seem to have remained timeless for a thousand
years…
It is in these areas that Lisbon’s ancient spirit remains and
where it is still possible to see the original quarters of the
Arabs, Jews and Christians. Almost inaccessible to cars,
the hill is criss-crossed by stairways and the narrowest of
back streets. Trams are the best way to see this part of
the city, particularly the number 28 whose route is a real
adventure.
Imperial Lisbon
The imperial part of Lisbon stretches from south to west,
down to the river and out towards the sea, from where its
greatness originates.This itinerary runs along the riverbank
and the Lisbon-Cascais railway line from Terreiro do Paço
to Belém, where it culminates in a magnificent collection
of monuments comprising Jerónimos Monastery, the Tower
of Belém and the more-recent Discoveries Monument and
Belém Cultural Centre, all of which surround the enormous
Praça do Império. Nearby stand the Presidential Palace,
Planetarium, Maritime Museum, Coach Museum (the largest
of its kind in the world) and the neoclassical Ajuda Palace.
Pombaline Lisbon
In 1755, Lisbon suffered one of the biggest earthquakes
in history, followed by a tsunami that crashed over the
city’s waterfront and beyond. The quake was so powerful
that it disturbed the surface of Sweden’s lakes some 3,000
kilometres away. This natural disaster gave the Marquês de
Pombal the opportunity to rebuild the city’s downtown
district using an organised form of town planning that was
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very advanced for its time, the main characteristics of which
can still be seen to today.The best example of this is the area
encompassing Rossio and Terreiro do Paço, two of the city’s
most impressive squares, particularly the latter.
A walk from one to the other takes us under the imposing
arch at the bottom of Rua Augusta, while a stroll through the
adjacent pedestrian areas can be rounded off with a trip in
the Santa Justa Elevator (a masterpiece of ironwork designed
by the celebrated French engineer, Gustave Eiffel) up to the
ruins of Carmo Convent, a lasting memory of the terrible
cataclysm that devastated 18th century Lisbon.
Cultural Lisbon
Lisbon has a rich mix of museums and culture. Among its
great wealth of attractions, one cannot miss out on a visit to
the Ancient Art Museum and the City Museum as well as the
many permanent and temporary modern art exhibitions on
display at the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation.With luck you
might get the chance to visit the Roman catacombs under
the Pombaline-style Baixo district, which as a rule are only
opened to the public once a year on an unspecified date.
Check the ballet, opera and classical music programmes; they
might have some very pleasant surprises in store for you.
The National Theatres of D. Maria and São Carlos are both
buildings of immense architectural interest, the latter being
an exact replica of Milan’s Scala opera house.
Modern Lisbon
Moving inland from the river, the city develops in a series of
increasingly wide avenues. It is the modern part of Lisbon,
a place dotted with must-see attractions such as the zoo,
bullring and stadiums of two of Europe’s most famous football
clubs - Benfica and Sporting.There are several large shopping
centres in this part of the capital, including the biggest in
the whole of the Iberian Peninsula. There are many other
fashionable shopping areas to be found, most notably in the Baixa
Pombalina and Avenida de Roma/Guerra Junqueiro districts.
There is also a wide choice of restaurants and places to
go at night. The most popular of these can be found in the
Bairro Alto and all along the riverbank around the old docks
that have been tastefully restored and are always brimming
with activity.
Finally, we suggest a trip across the Tagus in a ferry leaving
from Terreiro do Paço to Cacilhas. For an unparalleled view
of the city and its surroundings, why not return to Lisbon by
bus or train over the 25 April bridge, which is very similar
in design to the Golden Gate in San Francisco.
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Practical Information
Practical Information
Airports
Just 30 minutes from Cascais, the Estoril Coast is well served
by Lisbon’s international airport, where all the main airlines
operate and have offices.
The Cascais municipal aerodrome in Tires has a runway
measuring 1,700 by 30 metres and a modern terminal
building for up to 90 passengers.With a comfortable level of
service and high-quality boarding and disembarking facilities,
it is designed to receive international traffic in the form of
passengers from countries that have signed the Schengen
Agreement.
The airport also provides a full range of services for air
traffic control, aircraft movement and operations, security,
emergency and fire, refuelling (Avgaz 100 L.L. and Jet Fuel),
aircraft hanger assistance and maintenance, air taxis and a
restaurant.
For information about aircraft movement and all other services, please
telephone (00 351) 218 41 37 00 (Lisbon Airport) and (00 351) 214 45 73
00 (Tires Aerodrome and air taxis).
Accommodation
The choice of hotels is wide, modern and varied. Estoril offers
hotels and aparthotels with a very high level of service that
adds to the town’s reputation as a high quality leisure and
business tourism destination.
The three, four and five-star hotels are mostly equipped with
air-conditioning, a swimming pool, health centre, shops and
other modern conveniences.The cuisine is generally of a high
standard and very reasonably priced. In spring and summer,
it is advisable to book your table well in advance.
Pets
Animals should be accompanied by an original copy of a
certificate specifying its place of origin and state of health.
Boats
Seen from the sea, the Estoril coastline will always give you
a wonderful feeling.
WATER – X Tel. (00 351) 918 50 02 62 e-mail: [email protected] www.waterx.co.pt
ATR Tel. (00 351) 213 02 15 88
e-mail: [email protected] www.atrportugal.com
Bicycles, scooters and motorbikes
To hire this type of vehicle, please contact one of the many
companies that provide this kind of transport, or simply
ask at your hotel reception where staff can arrange it very
easily.
CascaisTown Hall has made a limited number of bicycles available beside the railway
station.These are free of charge to anyone showing appropriate identification.
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Camping
GUINCHO
campsite is set among sand dunes and pine trees just 1,000 metres from
the beach and 5 km from Cascais Tel. (00 351) 214 87 04 50 Fax. (00 351)
214 85 74 13 www.orbitur.pt
Horse-drawn carriages
A trip along the coast or through the heart of the interior
is much more enjoyable by horse-drawn carriage, a most
elegant way of travelling in the old-fashioned Portuguese
manner. In summer, they can be found beside the Jardim
Visconde da Luz in the centre of Cascais.
Electricity
220-volt, 50-cycle alternating current
For power cuts, call Tel. 800 24 62 46
Money and credit cards
Almost every Portuguese bank, as well as the majority of
the large European ones, have branches in Mafra, Oeiras,
Sintra and, most importantly, Estoril and Cascais. Currency
exchange, withdrawals and money transfers are quick and
easy to carry out.All international credit cards are valid and
accepted in most establishments throughout Portugal.
For more credit card information, please contact UNICRE
Tel. (00 351) 213 50 95 00, Fax. (00 351) 213 50 15 99
Facilities
Cascais Marina
Modern and very well equipped with 630 berths available, 120
of which are designed for vessels in transit. The marina can
cater for vessels of up to 35 metres in length and 6 metres
in depth. The maximum tide amplitude is 3.6 metres.
Latitude: 38º42’ North, Longitude: 9º25’ West.
International chart number 1875 (1/15,000).
Tel. (00 351) 214 82 48 00, Fax. (00 351) 214 82 48 99
Estoril Congress Centre
The Estoril Congress Centre has a wealth of experience
in organising seminars, conferences and meetings of an
international nature. Considered one of the best of its kind
in Europe, it opened in October 2001 and was designed by
the renowned Portuguese architect, Regino Cruz.
Tel. (00 351) 214 64 75 75
e-mail: [email protected]
www.estorilcc.com
Estoril Autodrome
Tel. (00 351) 214 60 95 00
Estoril Aerodrome
Tel. (00 351) 214 45 73 00
Manuel Possolo Horse-Riding Centre
Tel. (00 351) 214 82 27 50
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Tourist Guides & Interpreters
Staff at hotel receptions, travel agents, tourist information
centres and the Lisbon Tourist Guide & Interpreter’s Union
Tel. (00 351) 213 46 71 70 can quickly and easily organise
any kind of interpreting or tourist guide service you might
require.
Religious Services
The parish churches at Cascais, Estoril, Alcabideche, S.
Domingos de Rana, Sintra, Mafra, Ericeira and Oeiras have
daily services. An English-language service takes place on
Saturdays at 6pm and Sundays at noon at the Igreja dos
Navegantes in Cascais.
Opening Hours
Public Transport
The Estoril Coast is served by a very efficient public transport
system:
BANKS: open from 8.30am-3pm Monday to Friday.
HIGH-STREET SHOPS: open from 9am-1pm and 3pm-7pm Monday
to Friday and Saturdays from 9am-1pm.
SHOPPING CENTRES: open from 10am-11pm every day.
CHEMISTS: open from 9am-8pm
In every district you will find one or two chemists permanently
open, according to a set timetable. For details, please ask at your
hotel reception or see the schedule displayed on the door of
every chemist.
PUBLIC SERVICES: open from 9.30am-1.30pm and 2pm-5.30pm Monday
to Friday.
Lost property
Contact the police immediately. For any items of property
lost on trains, buses and in taxis, please contact the nearest
railway station, the public relations office of the national bus
and coach network (Rodoviária Nacional) or the central
taxi service, respectively.
TRAINS
Frequent services on the Lisbon Cais do Sodré–Cascais and Lisbon
Rossio–Sintra lines.
BUSES
Scotturb operates regular tourist services and connections to all the main
urban areas.
HORSE-DRAWN CARRIAGE
Regular tourist excursions and romantic trips through the towns of Sintra
and Cascais.
TRAM
Service operates between Ribeira de Sintra and Praia das Maças and offers
a breathtaking journey along the northern slopes of the Serra de Sintra,
passing through the enchanting Várzea de Colares.
CAR RENTAL
Available all over the region, with or without driver.
TAXIS
Available all over the region and connected to central telephone
switchboards.
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Useful telephone numbers
FIRE SERVICES
Carcavelos
Cascais
Estoril
Parede
PARQUES DE SINTRA
Parques de Sintra Monte da Lua, S.A.
Estrada de Monserrate, 2710-405 Sintra
Tel. 219 23 73 00 Fax. 219 23 73 50
e-mail: [email protected]
www.parquesdesintra.pt
Tel. 214 58 21 07
Tel. 214 82 84 00
Tel. 214 65 91 90
Tel. 214 57 45 85
POLICE AND NATIONAL REPUBLICAN GUARD (NRG)
Alcabideche
Tel. 214 69 00 69
Carcavelos
Tel. 214 57 02 28
Cascais
Tel. 214 86 11 27
Estoril
Tel. 214 68 13 96
Parede
Tel. 214 57 59 78
HEALTH CENTRES
Carcavelos
Tel. 214 57 42 82
Cascais
Tel. 214 82 46 00
Estoril
Tel. 214 65 95 80
Parede
Tel. 214 54 70 00
S. João do Estoril
Tel. 214 68 38 65
MARITIME POLICE AND CUSTOMS & EXCISE
Cascais
Tel. 214 86 45 00
HOSPITALS
Cascais District Hospital
For accident and emergency and first aid treatment
Tel. 214 65 30 00
TOURIST POLICE
Cascais
Tel. 214 86 39 29
TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRES
Cascais
Tel. 214 82 00 85
Estoril
Tel. 214 68 76 30
AMBULANCE SERVICES
Contact the fire department or the Automobile Club of Portugal
(ACP) in Lisbon Tel. 219 42 50 98.
CASES OF POISONING CIVIL PROTECTION
Cascais Tel. 213 148 213
Tel. 808 25 01 43
NATIONAL FOREST PROTECTION NUMBER:
NATIONAL EMERGENCY NUMBER:
SINTRA CASCAIS NATURAL PARK
R. Gago Coutinho 1, 2710 Sintra
Tel. 219 24 72 00 Fax. 219 24 72 27
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CASCAIS FOREIGN SERVICES DEPARTMENT (SEF)
Rua da Misericórdia Tel. 214 82 35 20
TAXIS
Estoril & Cascais Tel. 214 66 01 01 / Tel. 214 68 70 96 / Tel. 214 65 95 00
For more information, please visit our website at www.estoril-portugal.
com, our tourist information centres or your hotel reception.
Download this guide at
www.estoril-portugal.com
Estoril Coast Turism Office
Av. Clotilde Edificio do Centro de Congressos do Estoril 3º A
2765-211 Estoril · Portugal
Tel. (+351) 214 64 75 70 Fax. (+351) 214 64 75 76
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